OTC Plan B in Canada?

Canada's National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee recommends Paladin Labs' application to move emergency contraceptive Plan B from behind-the-counter to full over-the-counter status, Paladin announces April 14. A 30-day comment period will follow NDSAC's recommendation to the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, an independent body that works with Health Canada, Paladin explains. NAPRA will decide whether to endorse the NDSAC recommendation after the comment period closes. "While there is no guarantee of NAPRA's decision, it usually follows NDSAC's recommendations," Paladin states. If NAPRA endorses the recommendation, pharmacies could sell Plan B OTC beginning "around mid-May," the firm says. Unlike the U.S., Canada does not have an 18-and-older requirement for behind-the-counter Plan B and would allow open access to the emergency contraceptive if the product goes OTC, the Montreal-based specialty pharmaceuticals firm explains. The firm acquired the exclusive Canadian distribution rights to Duramed's Plan B in December 1999...